Everett pastor arrested in prostitution sting

EVERETT — An Everett pastor is being accused of trying to pay a 16-year-old girl for sex.

King County prosecutors Thursday charged John K. Lawlor, 54, with commercial sexual abuse of a minor. Lawlor, who told police he is an associate pastor with First Baptist Church in Everett, was arrested Tuesday.

He bailed out of the King County Jail on Wednesday.

Prosecutors allege that Lawlor was caught during a sting operation by Seattle police detectives. Lawlor allegedly began making arrangements online to pay for sex. Police led him to believe he was chatting with a 16-year-old girl. Court papers said Lawlor allegedly agreed to meet the girl Tuesday in Seattle, near Northgate. Police say he planned to pick up the girl and drive her to his home in Everett. He agreed to pay her $200 for sex, prosecutors wrote.

Detectives found Lawlor sitting in his vehicle at the meeting point, court papers said.